Our Favorite, Easiest Baby Books (Psst...Free Book!)

Hi friends!

I'm the first to admit I'm awful at updating baby books.  Literally the worst. I feel bad that the girls will look back one day and realize this.  Poor Charlotte has about one page filled - oops!  I love looking through picture albums and to me, those are the best memories.  Which brings me to Chatbooks.

Chatbooks are little square books filled with the best memories.  I discovered Chatbooks when Olivia was a baby and they have been the best thing since well, baby books.  I love looking back through them and Olivia loves it too.  I make sure to include photos with their milestones and special days. 

Since the beginning, I've filled almost 12 books and I have so many more to order.  I chose the subscription service so I can just have a continuous order and I won't miss any!  I love to make them from my Instagram (@thebirdsnestblog) but you can also make them from photos you have on your phone or computer.  These will be great Christmas gifts for our family and friends.  

Chatbooks offers your first book free if you use this link, and I'll get a credit too.  Win, win! If you try it out, I'd love to hear how you like them!  Also, mamas unite if you are awful at updating baby books too ;) 

This post was in no way sponsored by Chatbooks.  I just love them so much and wanted to share! XOXO

Five on Friday.

Happy Friday, friends!  I am so looking forward to the weekend. We've had all sorts of beautiful weather for this time of year and it's been so nice to get outside with the kids.  We've been bouncing around to different parks and swinging right in our yard to soak up this sunshine before the true cold weather sets in. 

I've been trying to keep my shopping to a minimum with the holidays coming, both for the girls and myself, but these tees have been my favorite lately and at $5(!!) a shirt, I might need to break the shopping hiatus. 

Lip stain is something that had me somewhat hesitant because I thought it might be too much, too bright, and too permanent.  Boy was I wrong!  It's an absolute must have in my makeup routine for the day and it brightens everything up instantly.  So great when we've been having some sleepless nights around here from a certain baby who decides to party at 2am. My favorite is Tints & Sass Lip and Cheek Stain and it stays on all day long.  I like to apply a swipe of chapstick after to keep my lips more hydrated and to have more even color.  It's the prettiest pinkish red color, but not overpowering.  I love that I can apply it lightly before dropping Olivia at school or darker for a girls night out. 

Speaking of girls night, this Butternut Squash and Spinach Tortellini sounds so good and would be perfect for a fall dinner together.  Add some browned sausage or grilled chicken and I think it would be a hit with my hubby. 

I've been storing all sorts of Christmas ideas on my Pinterest boards and these are some great ones.  I tend to lean towards natural decor and I can't wait to try some of these ideas. Also, a holiday cheese board - I could eat that every day. 

Also, a head start to tomorrow's post... I'll be sharing all about our favorite non-traditional baby books.  Psst...you can get your first one free using this code.

Cheers to the weekend! XO

The Best Weekend Favorites

How is October already almost over?!  I'm ashamed to admit we're still in September on our calendar and have completely ignored October.  Guess I'll be starting with November soon enough ;)  Lately, I've been dreaming about decorating for Christmas - I just can't wait for the holidays to come this year.  I'm not sure if it's because it's Charlotte's first Christmas or that Olivia is older and it's becoming more magical for her or the fact that Pinterest is pouring over with fresh Christmas ideas that I'm loving.  I. Can't. Wait.  

{Current Inspiration via} 

Now onto some of my favorite picks this week, 

These bottle brush trees and this countdown calendar are both going in my cart.  PLUS, take an extra 10% off using code FALLHOME. 

How pretty are these plum Rockstar skinny jeans?  My favorite style, flattering with just the right amount of give. 

Baked Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast.  Probably the best brunch casserole ever created.  

Does this not look like the coziest bedroom ever?  Bedroom goals. 

Ritz Cracker Chicken,, Sheet Pan Greek Chicken,  and Slow Cooker Corn Chowder are on the menu this week.  

What are some of your favorites this week? XO 

Five Quick + Easy Breakfast Ideas

Hi friends!  Olivia has started preschool, ballet, and tap and we've been so busy lately!  September has flown by and we're official into everything fall related.  One of my favorite times of the year.  Preschool is three days a week and I need to get both kids dressed, fed (baby oatmeal for Charlotte) and ready to go early in the morning. Therefore, if you're like me and scrambling around, you'll need quick and easy breakfast ideas to keep your little ones full and keep you on time.  

1.  Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

{Image via Minimalist Baker}

2.  Baked Oatmeal

{Image via A Few Shortcuts}

3.  Hard-Boiled Eggs + Avocado

{Image via Popsugar}

4.  French Toast in a Mug

{Image via Princess Pinky Girl}

5.  Yogurt Popsicles

{Image via I Heart Nap Time} 

I love that these are all easy to prepare and can be made in advance.  In a pinch, I'll give Olivia a fruit + oatmeal squeeze pouch.  What are some of your favorite quick breakfasts? Cheers to the mamas holding everything together in the mornings ;)